LEWISTON – The work of local photographer Jose Leiva is open at the Beeaker Gallery on the campus of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Moments in Time features Leiva’s photographic portfolio. The exhibit is open until Sept. 16 at the local gallery in St. Mary’s Women’s Health Pavilion.

A native of Laredo, Texas, Leiva began his photography career at the age of 12. His early subjects were his sister, Lydia, featured in the exhibit, and other family members.

While stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Brindisi, Italy, during the Vietnam era, Leiva photographed daily life in the vineyards, on city streets and in crowded markets. It was a precursor to his career as a photojournalist and free-lance photographer.

The exhibit also contains some of the work he did while traveling around the country, as well as his most current work. The work in the exhibit spans almost 40 years. Not having had any formal post-graduate schooling in the field, Leiva is a self-taught artist. He shares his personal motto with Michaelangelo; “Ancora imparo.” I am still learning.

“I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity in life to do what I love to do – to follow my passions, said Leiva. “What photography has done for me is to allow me to meet people in every walk of life. The precious gift that people give me is allowing me to photograph them, to give me their time and their trust.”

Leiva lives in Lewiston with his wife, Linda. He is a photographer for the Sun Journal.

The Beeaker Gallery is located off the lobby of the Corinne Croteau Lepage Women’s Health Pavilion, 330 Sabattus St. Parking is available in Lot G in front of the pavilion.